New way to remove ink on paper

Engineers have just found a way to use a laser to remove ink on paper. This is a great step forward for the printing and paper industry to save a significant cost.

Researchers at Cambridge University used short wavelengths to erase text and images printed on paper. Ultraviolet rays and infrared light converge in the laser to remove ink without causing any distortion or discoloration on the paper. A filter that is used to evaporate ink on paper provides great efficiency for this system.

This invention also has important implications for the environment

Removal only takes about 4 parts per second. This new invention will be used in a wide range of printers and photocopiers to help reuse ink and paper. This also indirectly reduces tree felling in order to provide materials for the paper manufacturing industry, a problem that many governments are now concerned about. This method is even cheaper than recycling paper in the usual way.

The types of printers that support this function have been taken care of by many companies and expressed interest in its usefulness. It is estimated that the cost to complete a complete 'Unprinter' is £ 19,000. However, this cost will go down when technology is improved and commercialized, said Dr. Julian Allwood, head of the research team. If equipped with this extremely useful device, offices will greatly reduce the cost of buying ink and paper.

This invention also has important implications for the environment. It helps the future paper industry to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals to recycle paper, thereby cutting carbon emissions by 79% compared to today.

Reference: Telegraph